Done deal: Irons confirm youngster signing

West Ham have confirmed the signing of youngster Josh Briggs.

The defender has moved to the Hammers from Northern Irish champions Linfield and follows in the footsteps of two young compatriots.

Callum Marshall and Patrick Kelly have previously signed terms with the Irons and Briggs has now joined them in east London.

Briggs is just 16 and plays primarily as a defender.

He will link up with the club’s U18 team initially and will hope to force his way into the U23 reckoning before attempting to reach the first-team.

Briggs has already won caps for Northern Ireland at youth level and quickly progressed through the ranks at Linfield, moving through the U16s to the U20s and then playing for the second string last season.

It is another sign that the Hammers are making attempts to bolster their youth ranks and develop promising kids at the Academy of Football.

Briggs has also revealed his delight at joining the Irons, saying: “It’s a great achievement to join West Ham United and I am delighted to be here.

“I’m very excited to play for this Club and this Academy, and I’m very excited for the season ahead.

“West Ham United is a great Club. It’s a traditional club with family values at the core. Everyone is very supportive of each other here, and looks out for each other. There is a high standard across the entire Club, with some exceptional players, and I’m looking forward to developing here.”